The Absolute Sound Podcast

The Absolute Sound is the world’s preeminent source of expert reviews, features, and commentary on high-performance audio and music. Since 1973, TAS has set the standard for quality audio and music journalism, helping to shape the industry and guiding audio enthusiasts and music lovers to components and recordings that faithfully reproduce the sounds one might hear in a good concert hall. The Absolute Sound is a monthly print and digital magazine, an online destination for those interested in better sound, and a community of audiophiles and music lovers. For a Brief History of The Absolute Sound: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/fifty-years-of-the-absolute-sound/ Sign up for our weekly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/iPNIR2 Subscribe to our monthly magazine: https://theabsolutesound.secure.darwin.cx/J200BNRA

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Episodes

2 days ago

This speaker really surprised me; I don’t know if it was all the rhetoric of being a disrupter to the industry on their website – I often approach disrupters with a hint of skepticism, but SVS means business and the Ultra Evolution Pinnacle brings it! 00:00 Ultra Evolution Pinnacle00:47 Overview03:13 Sound Quality08:59 Wrap UpNewsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comWhat Is The Absolute Sound?The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

3 days ago

This speaker really surprised me; I don’t know if it was all the rhetoric of being a disrupter to the industry on their website – I often approach disrupters with a hint of skepticism, but SVS means business and the Ultra Evolution Pinnacle brings it! 00:00 Ultra Evolution Pinnacle00:47 Overview03:13 Sound Quality08:59 Wrap UpNewsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comWhat Is The Absolute Sound?The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

5 days ago

We wanted to share with you some of the music we are using in the review process, with a focus on musically interesting work that is also enjoyably recorded. This isn’t necessarily new work or new recordings. With streaming making a test drive of these recommendations so easy, we simply wanted to give you some ideas.The Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comTom Martin’s Reference System:Aurender N200 ServerRoon Nucleus serverMac Mini (M2) serverWiim Pro server/DACBluesound Node server/DACTopping D70 Pro DACdCS Lina DAC/Master clockBerkeley Alpha DAC Reference Series 3 with Alpha USB Series 2 input moduleJ Sikora Initial Max turntableTechnics SL-1210G turntableKuzma 4Point 9” armJ Sikora KV12 tone armDS Audio 003 cartridgeBenz Gullwing SLR cartridgeHana Umami Blue cartridgeHegel V10 phono preampMusical Surroundings Phonomena III phono preampDS Audio 003 optical cartridge energizerAudio Research Reference 6SE preampPS Audio BHK 600 mono power ampsMBL N51 integrated amplifierMagico A5 speakersWireworld Platinum Electra speaker and line cablesShunyata Omega digital cablesShunyata Venom power cables and directorAVN Systems acoustic designRediacoustic diffusers and absorbersRediacoustic bass trapsSalamander racksSolidsteel Turntable rackWhat Is The Absolute Sound?The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

7 days ago

Tom recently visited T+A in Herford, Germany to get an overview of their approach to audio design. Of course, he knew something from the name, which means “Theory plus Application”, but he really didn’t know what to expect. Frankly, he was surprised, pleasantly surprised, by what he found. The Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/00:00 T+A elektroakustik factory tour02:46 Origin3:50 T+A's Strategy07:48 T+A's R&D09:21 SummaryNewsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comWhat Is The Absolute Sound?The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

Wednesday Jun 25, 2025

Founded in 2012, Backert Labs are an American company that only produce tube preamps. Despite a crowded marketplace this family operation has stood out with its unique approach to linestage design. I got to spend the last two months with the new Rhumba Extreme 1.4, an $8500 dollar analog linestage from the company that promises a lot in a small chassis. I’m Michael Johnson with the Absolute Sound and join me today as we find out if this Rhumba can really dance.The Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/00:00 Rhumba Extreme 1.4 01:25 Overview15:30 Sound Quality28:13 Is this for you?30:05 SummaryNewsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comWhat Is The Absolute Sound?The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

Sunday Jun 22, 2025

While the Martin Logan Motion XT series isn’t especially new to the market, we’re trying to go back through the catalog of available options that may interest our viewers. And, yes, Martin Logan may be best known for their electrostatic offerings, but we thought we’d see what they were able to do with traditional cabinet speakers. Were they able to fold the benefits of what they’ve learned from panel speakers into a more cost-effective package? Stay tuned to find out. 00:00 Martin Logan Motion XT01:37 Overview04:54 Sound Quality08:56 ConclusionNewsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comWhat Is The Absolute Sound?The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

Saturday Jun 21, 2025

While the Martin Logan Motion XT series isn’t especially new to the market, we’re trying to go back through the catalog of available options that may interest our viewers. And, yes, Martin Logan may be best known for their electrostatic offerings, but we thought we’d see what they were able to do with traditional cabinet speakers. Were they able to fold the benefits of what they’ve learned from panel speakers into a more cost-effective package? Stay tuned to find out. 00:00 Martin Logan Motion XT01:37 Overview04:54 Sound Quality08:56 ConclusionNewsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comWhat Is The Absolute Sound?The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

Wednesday Jun 18, 2025

Originally founded in 1999, TIDAL is now one of the world's premier loudspeaker and high-end audio manufacturers. The Absolute Sound's Grover Neville had the opportunity to tour TIDAL's factory outside Cologne, Germany and investigate for himself: what makes TIDAL, TIDAL? Listen in to discover what he found out...00:50 History04:08 TIDAL factory07:26 Listening Room09:26 Listening Experience14:16 Why TIDAL?16:07 TIDAL for BUGATTI20:04 ConclusionNewsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comWhat Is The Absolute Sound?The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

Sunday Jun 15, 2025

In the ever evolving landscape of digital audio conversion, PS Audio has once again demonstrated why they remain a resolute pillar in the high end audio community.This video is sponsored by: https://www.javahifi.com/homeThe Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/00:00 PS audio StellarDAC00:56 Overview02:28 Design04:04 Connectivity5:55 Sound Quality09:48 ConclusionNewsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comWhat Is The Absolute Sound?The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

Friday Jun 13, 2025

Robert Taylor duel reviews the Accuphase C2900 preamplifier and the Accuphase A80 amplifier, noting their individual characteristics and their combined output. Tune in to hear Robert's thoughts...01:04 Specs & Design03:44 Preamp door controls05:10 Associated Equipment05:58 Sound Quality08:08 Sound Quality Pt. 210:51 ConclusionThis video is sponsored by: https://shunyata.com/The Absolute Sound’s Review Methodology: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/the-absolute-sounds-review-methodology-first-principles/Newsletter: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletterFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theabsolutesoundSubstack: https://www.theabsolutesound.substack.comWhat Is The Absolute Sound?The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, YouTube and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound Copyright 2025, Nextscreen LLC, all rights reserved

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